Q70. Which English newspaper associated with Sri Aurobindo helped prepare public opinion for a nationalist revolution?
[OSSC CGLRE Mains, GS Paper II (8 July 2026)]
(A) Kesari
(B) Bande Mataram
(C) Hindu Patriot
(D) Bombay Chronicle
Answer: (B) Bande Mataram
Explanation: Bande Mataram was founded by Bipin Chandra Pal in Calcutta in 1906. Sri Aurobindo subsequently became its principal editorial voice. Its English articles advocated nationalism, boycott and self-rule, influencing educated readers during the Swadeshi phase of the freedom struggle.
Q69. What was the principal object of the Vernacular Press Act of 1878?
[RRB NTPC UG CBT-I (13 June 2026, Shift 3)]
(A) To encourage regional newspapers supporting the Raj
(B) To promote bilingual colonial journalism
(C) To curb criticism of British rule in Indian-language newspapers
(D) To abolish censorship of Indian-language newspapers
Answer: (C) To curb criticism of British rule in Indian-language newspapers
Explanation: The Vernacular Press Act targeted publications in Indian languages rather than the English press. Enacted under Lord Lytton in 1878, it empowered colonial officials to demand bonds and suppress material critical of the government. Lord Ripon later repealed it in 1882.
Q68. Who was the editor of the Hindi newspaper Karmveer?
[MP Forest Guard / Jail Prahari, memory-based (4 June 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) Subhadra Kumari Chauhan
(B) Harishankar Parsai
(C) Bhawani Prasad Mishra
(D) Pandit Makhanlal Chaturvedi
Answer: (D) Pandit Makhanlal Chaturvedi
Explanation: Makhanlal Chaturvedi was a prominent nationalist journalist, poet and freedom fighter. Through Karmveer, he promoted patriotism and opposed colonial domination. His journalism connected literary expression with political mobilization, especially among Hindi-speaking readers in central India.
Q67. Which colonial law sought to silence newspapers critical of the British government?
[SSC GD Constable (31 May 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) Vernacular Press Act, 1878
(B) Vernacular Press Act, 1858
(C) Charter Act, 1833
(D) Charter Act, 1813
Answer: (A) Vernacular Press Act, 1878
Explanation: The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 is remembered as the Gagging Act. It restricted Indian-language newspapers publishing criticism of colonial rule. English-language publications were exempt, demonstrating the unequal treatment that helped turn freedom of the press into a nationalist issue.
Q66. Which of these periodicals was published by Mahatma Gandhi?
[UP PGT Sociology (9 May 2026)]
(A) Aaj (1920)
(B) Yugantar (1906)
(C) Bahishkrit Bharat (1927)
(D) Indian Opinion (1903)
Answer: (D) Indian Opinion (1903)
Explanation: Gandhi established Indian Opinion in South Africa in 1903 as a means of communicating the grievances of Indians and promoting nonviolent resistance. The publication became an early laboratory for his ideas on satyagraha, civic organization and responsible political journalism.
Q65. Which newspaper was used by Bal Gangadhar Tilak to spread assertive nationalism?
[DSSSB MTS (18 April 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) Kesari
(B) Indian Opinion
(C) The Tribune
(D) Awaz-e-Hind
Answer: (A) Kesari
Explanation: Tilak used the Marathi newspaper Kesari to popularize self-rule and criticism of British policies. He also edited the English-language Mahratta. His journalism helped mobilize public opinion, although the government prosecuted him for allegedly seditious writings.
Q64. Who was the only Indian member present when the Vernacular Press Bill was introduced in the Legislative Council?
[UPSC CDS I (12 April 2026)]
(A) Jotendra Mohan Tagore
(B) Peary Mohan Mukherjea
(C) Dinshaw Petit
(D) Dadabhai Naoroji
Answer: (A) Jotendra Mohan Tagore
Explanation: Jotendra Mohan Tagore was the Indian member associated with the council proceedings over the 1878 Vernacular Press Bill. The legislation was pushed through under Lytton and drew criticism for targeting Indian-language publications and curtailing political expression.
Q63. Which nationalist newspaper was founded by Bipin Chandra Pal?
[DSSSB MTS (6 March 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Jai Hind
(B) Indian Mirror
(C) Bande Mataram
(D) Independent
Answer: (C) Bande Mataram
Explanation: Bipin Chandra Pal founded the English newspaper Bande Mataram in Calcutta in 1906. Sri Aurobindo later became a leading editor. The paper articulated radical nationalist ideas and became especially influential during resistance to the partition of Bengal.
Q62. Which English newspaper was associated with Sir Pherozeshah Mehta?
[DSSSB MTS (27 February 2026, Shift 1)]
(A) The Leader
(B) Indian Opinion
(C) The Hindu
(D) Bombay Chronicle
Answer: (D) Bombay Chronicle
Explanation: The Bombay Chronicle was associated with Pherozeshah Mehta and later gained prominence under editor B. G. Horniman. It supported Indian nationalist politics and provided a counterweight to pro-government newspapers in Bombay. It became influential in public debates over colonial rule.
Q61. What was the headquarters of the Ghadar Party called?
[RRB JE, 2025 cycle (20 February 2026, Shift 2)]
(A) Bharat Ashram
(B) Hindustan Ashram
(C) Yugantar Ashram
(D) Azad Ashram
Answer: (C) Yugantar Ashram
Explanation: Yugantar Ashram in San Francisco served as a base of the Ghadar movement and its printing activities. The revolutionary paper Ghadar circulated anti-colonial messages among Indian emigrants, showing how print networks outside India contributed to the independence movement.